Devastation
05-27-2005, 09:23 PM
FDA Probing Viagra Blindness Side Effect
Friday, May 27, 2005
WASHINGTON — Federal health officials are examining rare reports of blindness among some men using the impotence drug Viagra (search).
The Food and Drug Administration (search) still is investigating, but has no evidence yet that the drug is to blame, said spokeswoman Susan Cruzan.
This type of blindness is called NAION, or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (search). It can occur in men who are diabetic or have heart disease, the same conditions that can cause impotence and thus lead to Viagra use.
The FDA has 50 reports of the blindness. Viagra has been taken by more than 23 million men worldwide.
"We take this seriously," said FDA's Cruzan.
On its Web site, Viagra manufacturer Pfizer Inc. (PFE), states: "The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Less common are bluish or blurred vision, or being sensitive to light. These may occur for a short time." That language had been available before the current inquiry.
After I finished laughing my ass off and envisioning Mark Martin going blind during a race, I realised that I should thank the good Lord above that I have no problems with DeVaSTaTioN Jr.
Friday, May 27, 2005
WASHINGTON — Federal health officials are examining rare reports of blindness among some men using the impotence drug Viagra (search).
The Food and Drug Administration (search) still is investigating, but has no evidence yet that the drug is to blame, said spokeswoman Susan Cruzan.
This type of blindness is called NAION, or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (search). It can occur in men who are diabetic or have heart disease, the same conditions that can cause impotence and thus lead to Viagra use.
The FDA has 50 reports of the blindness. Viagra has been taken by more than 23 million men worldwide.
"We take this seriously," said FDA's Cruzan.
On its Web site, Viagra manufacturer Pfizer Inc. (PFE), states: "The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Less common are bluish or blurred vision, or being sensitive to light. These may occur for a short time." That language had been available before the current inquiry.
After I finished laughing my ass off and envisioning Mark Martin going blind during a race, I realised that I should thank the good Lord above that I have no problems with DeVaSTaTioN Jr.